Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization. It works to improve the quality of life for tens of millions of family caregivers. These Americans care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or diseases. CAN also supports those meeting the living needs of older adults.

CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers. This includes parents of children with significant health needs. It also includes families and friends of wounded soldiers: from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.

CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association EIN 52-1780405) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

Our Mission

The mission of the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is to promote resourcefulness and respect for tens of millions of family caregivers across the country.

Our Goals
Create Resourceful Caregivers

Serve an increasing number of family caregivers with practical help, support and information.

Create Respect for Family Caregivers

Advance the case for family caregiver recognition and support.

Reduce Caregiver Stress

Improve the quality of life for family caregivers by reducing their day-to-day stress and financial distress.

Create Capable Caregivers

Build family caregiver confidence and capability through the dissemination of educational programs that demonstrate a positive impact on the lives of family caregivers.

Board Officers & Directors

Dawn Shedrick

Chair

President, JenTex Consulting
Lecturer, Columbia University School of Social Work

New York, NY

Serena Lowe

Vice Chair

Systems Disrupter in Aging & Disability Policy Space
Founder & Principal, AnereS Strategies, LLC

Alexandria, VA

Helen Adeosun

Treasurer

CEO & Founder, CareAcademy

Boston, MA

Angela Kouters

Angela Kouters

Board Director

Senior Government and Political Strategist, Hard Count Strategies

Charleston, SC

Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D.

Board Director

Clinical psychologist, healthcare consultant, and AARP columnist/author.

Swarthmore, PA

Caregiving Leaders in Congress

CAN’s Congressional Leader Awards celebrate members of Congress who have demonstrated unwavering support for family caregivers through landmark legislation and public advocacy.

Past honorees include

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (formerly Congresswoman, D-NM)

— for introducing the National Care Corps Act

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

— for introducing the RAISE Family Caregivers Act

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

— for leadership on the RAISE Family Caregivers Act

Leon Seemann

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)

— for the In-Home CARE Act

Senator Elizabeth Dole and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

for championing military and veteran caregivers